This disclosure relates to apparatus and methods for molecular diagnostics. Certain embodiments include a piston cycled from a first position proximal to a first end of a housing, to a second position proximal to a second end of the housing, and back to the first position proximal to the first end of the housing. In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to devices, methods, and systems for molecular diagnostics that do not comprise a piston.

In one embodiment, a biological sample analyzer has a housing having at least one outer wall that defines a cavity therein. A receptacle, which can support a consumable holder containing a biological sample, is disposed within the internal cavity. At least one heater applies heat to the receptacle when the consumable holder is supported by the receptacle. At least one heater sensor detect temperatures of the receptacle over time. A controller detects whether the consumable holder is below an ambient temperature based on a decrease in temperature of the receptacle when the consumable holder is inserted into the receptacle. The controller also increases an amount of thermal energy transferred from the at least one heater to the consumable holder when the controller detects that the consumable holder is below the ambient temperature so as to heat the consumable holder to a target temperature.

An example system includes an array of retaining features in a microfluidic cavity, an array of thermally controlled releasing features, and a controller coupled to each releasing feature in the array of releasing feature. Each retaining feature in the array of retaining features is to position capsules at a predetermined location, the capsules having a thermally degradable shell enclosing a biological reagent therein. Each releasing feature in the array of releasing features corresponds to a retaining feature and is to selectively cause degradation of the shell of a capsule. Each releasing feature is to generate thermal energy to facilitate degradation of the shell. The controller is to selectively activate at least one releasing feature in the array of thermally controlled releasing features to release the biological reagent in the capsules positioned at the retaining feature corresponding to the activated releasing feature.

Systems and methods are provided for sample processing. A device may be provided, capable of receiving the sample, and performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing multiple assays. The device may comprise one or more modules that may be capable of performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing the steps using a small volume of sample.

A device for forming a liquid aliquot, the device including: a first layer; an elastic second layer overlapping the first layer; a first passageway to receive and hold a volume of liquid, the first passageway formed from the first and second layers; a first actuator to press on the elastic layer thereby dividing the liquid filled passageway into a series of liquid aliquots; a series of vents associated with the series of aliquots; a second actuator to control flow of liquid aliquots through the associated vents; and an attachment structure for attachment of aliquot receptacles to receive liquid aliquots that flow through the vents.

Devices for assaying a biomolecule from a sample, including: a cartridge assembly structured to accept and secure a magnetofluidic cartridge to be used for the assaying, and a magnetic particle manipulation assembly arranged proximate the cartridge assembly, the magnetic particle manipulation assembly having a pair of magnets arranged to be on opposing sides of said magnetofluidic cartridge and which are substantially aligned along a line that will be transverse to the magnetofluidic cartridge such that the line can be aligned with a well in the magnetofluidic cartridge, and methods of using and assembling such devices.

In one embodiment, a method is provided comprising analyte testing on one or more types of samples.

Systems and methods for performing simultaneous nucleic acid amplification and detection. The systems and methods comprise methods for managing a plurality of protocols in conjunction with directing a sensor array across each of a plurality of reaction chambers. In certain embodiments, the protocols comprise thermocycling profiles and the methods may introduce offsets and duration extensions into the thermocycling profiles to achieve more efficient detection behavior.

A system comprising a device or the device itself for measuring temperatures, comprising a sensor array plate, comprising on a first surface at least one temperature sensor arranged on at least one tongue that is surrounded by a cut-out leaving a bridge to the sensor array plate, wherein the at least one sensor has on both sides' spacer and a second surface opposite the first surface for connection to at least one operating plate of a thermocycler; and a pressure plate, comprising fins at the side for connection to the sensor array plate that align with the spacer of the sensor array plate when a pressure plate is arranged onto a sensor array plate.

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally pertain to systems and methods for performing amplicon rescue multiplex polymerase chain reaction (arm-PCR). In one embodiment, the system comprises a processor and a reader coupled to a control element. The control element is configured to control the operation of the processor and the reader based on a variety of settings. The processor is configured to receive a self-contained cassette for performing PCR amplification of DNA and/or RNA obtained from an organic specimen. The processor engages with the cassette and manipulates reagents within the cassette in order to amplify and detect the DNA from the specimen. The processor also causes the cassette to deposit the DNA on a microarray within the cassette. The reader is configured to receive the cassette after it has been processed by the processor and to capture an image of the microarray for transmission to the control element as test data. The control element is further configured to analyze the test data received from the reader and to produce an output indicative of a comparison of the test data to predefined data.